Children's Fair in Chattanooga: New and Consignment Baby Gear in One Shop
Children's Fair is a combination new and consignment baby furniture and gear retailer on the North Shore, stocking everything from cribs and car seats to strollers and play equipment across two inventory streams in a single storefront.
What Children's Fair actually is
Children's Fair operates as a hybrid: the front half carries new merchandise from established brands, while the back section houses consignment items rotated by local families. The shop occupies roughly 2,500 square feet and serves parents looking to stretch budgets without sacrificing safety standards or brand recognition. It sits between big-box retailers like Target and specialist boutiques, offering deeper product depth than Target's baby section but less extensive designer-only positioning than high-end furniture galleries.
New and consignment inventory, pricing, and what changes
New items typically run 10 to 30 percent below manufacturer suggested retail prices. A new Graco travel system (car seat plus stroller frame) costs around $180 to $220 here versus $250 to $280 at full retail. Cribs from brands like Storkcraft and Delta Children range from $200 to $500 new. Consignment pricing on the same categories runs 40 to 60 percent below retail; a gently used crib might sell for $120 to $250, and strollers for $40 to $150 depending on condition and brand. Store staff apply consistent grading standards: items marked "excellent" show minimal wear, while "good" condition pieces may have scuffs or worn fabric. The store accepts consignments on a 50/50 split after sale, with no upfront cost to the seller. Current inventory shifts weekly, so specific items and pricing should be confirmed by phone or visit.
How Children's Fair compares to other Chattanooga options
Consignment-only competitors like Once Upon a Child (multiple locations in the metro area) focus exclusively on resale and typically offer lower prices overall but narrower brand selection and less control over condition grading. Target and Walmart carry new gear at competitive prices but stock far fewer specialty items like premium mattresses or boutique stroller brands. Buy Buy Baby closed its Chattanooga location in 2023, removing the primary full-service new retailer. Children's Fair's dual model addresses both needs: buyers wanting new merchandise with immediate inventory certainty can shop the front section, while budget-conscious parents prioritizing selection over newness can focus on consignment. Choose Children's Fair if you want new and resale options under one roof and moderate pricing; choose Once Upon a Child if you are hunting the lowest possible price on basics alone.
Who it suits and who it does not
Parents furnishing a nursery on a moderate budget, those seeking specific brand names at a discount, and families with multiple young children benefit most. The consignment section appeals to second-time parents and those indifferent to "new" status. The store does not carry high-end designer furniture or boutique European brands, so buyers seeking luxury positioning should look elsewhere. Parents uncomfortable with used textiles (mattresses, seat fabric) will prefer the new section only.
What the first visit involves
Plan 45 minutes to browse both sections. New inventory is displayed in the front, organized by category: strollers and car seats near the entrance, furniture (cribs, dressers, changing tables) along the perimeter, and accessories (bedding, monitors, toys) on shelving. Consignment items are grouped similarly in the back but rotate frequently, so returning shoppers will see different stock week to week. Staff can answer safety questions (all car seats carry manufacture dates within current standards) and explain condition grades. Most transactions are walk-in; larger purchases or special orders can be arranged by phone.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Children's Fair operates Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed Mondays. It is located on the North Shore in a strip center with adjacent parking; no appointment is required. Delivery is available for furniture purchases within Chattanooga and surrounding counties for a flat fee starting around $50 to $75 depending on distance; confirm current rates with the shop. The store does not offer online ordering or curbside pickup.
Children's Fair fills the gap between full-price retail and deep-discount secondhand markets, making it a practical stop for parents buying gear repeatedly or equipping a nursery from scratch without overspending.
